Malmö Treatment Referral and Intervention Study (MATRIS)

This study has been completed.

Sponsor:

Region Skane

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:

NCT01457872

First Posted: October 24, 2011

Last Update Posted: November 25, 2014

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This study aims to study and implement active referral of heroin users from a syringe exchange programme to evidence-based treatment for heroin addiction. Patients are randomized to either a strength-based case management intervention or a control group, while both groups receive referral to medical investigation for inclusion in substitution treatment for heroin addiction. The hypothesis is that syringe exchange can be used for referral to effective treatment, and that a strength-based intervention can increase the number of patients who are successfully referred and enter treatment.

Treatment entry in substitution treatment at two time points - directly after referral and after up to 3 months [ Time Frame: At medical examination after 10 days, and subsequently for up to 3 months ]

Percentage of patients successfully referred for examination and start of substitution treatment. This is measured at two time points, at 10 days post-referral when the medical examination is carried out (the percentage of patients who successfully show up) and subsequently the patients will be followed up to three months post-referral with respect to actual initiation of medication.

Patients attending the syringe exchange programme of Malmö, Sweden, and who are using heroin as their primary drug of abuse and who live in the catchment area of Malmö Addiction Centre, will be addressed, and patients willing to participate will undergo a baseline interview and will be referred to medical examination for decision to start substitution treatment to treat heroin dependence. Half of patients will be randomized to a strength-based case management intervention, hypothesized to facilitate treatment entry, and half of patients will be randomized to a control condition involving only referral.

The study will measure the number of patients who successfully accept referral and initiate substitution treatment for heroin dependence, comparing patients in intervention arm to patients in the control condition (RCT design). Also, as a secondary outcome measure, retention and treatment outcome (substance use and clinical characteristics) will be compared between the two groups. In addition, this study will enable a number of sub-analyses aiming to increase knowledge about heroin addicts' detailed substance use pattern and clinical characteristics. Patients will be followed with respect to retention, substance use and clinical picture for three years.

Eligibility

Information from the National Library of Medicine

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Ages Eligible for Study:

20 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Registered at syringe exchange programme of Malmö

Primary drug heroin

Heroin dependence

Living in catchment area for substitution treatment of Addiction Centre Malmö